The Out of Balance BelieverSample

He [Elijah] lay down and slept under the juniper tree, and behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” 1 Kings 19:5 – Amplified Bible

Nothing is as it seems when we are fatigued. Tasks that are easy become difficult. Innovation and creativity go out the window. Confusion replaces sound judgment, and erratic emotions drive irrational thoughts and behavior. The story of Elijah is a perfect example of what can happen when we become exhausted and unbalanced. One day he was slaying prophets of the idol Baal, the next day he was begging God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4).

I like Elijah. He was a hard worker. I relate to him. Obviously, I am not a prophet who is called to destroy idol-worshiping sinners, but I know what it’s like to exhaust myself. Elijah was a strong, courageous man who had the favor of God upon his life, but he was also human, and we humans get tired. That was Elijah's state when he fled into the desert after receiving word that Jezebel, King Ahab’s wife, vowed to kill him for abolishing Baal’s prophets.

Scripture says Elijah ran for his life and came to Beersheba, where he left his servant before traveling another day’s journey into the wilderness. Beersheba was over eighty miles away. I don’t know if Elijah ran the entire eighty miles, but I suspect he kept a good pace. Then to continue for another day upon reaching Beersheba – Elijah had to be worn out. We get a glimpse of this when we are told he collapses under a juniper tree. We learn of his distorted mental state when he asks God to take his life.

Elijah was out of balance. He was physically tired, emotionally exhausted, and spiritually depleted. His situation seemed hopeless until an angel of the Lord arrived with a warm, baked cake and a bottle of cold, refreshing water. Only four words were spoken, “Get up and eat.” Elijah ate and then took another nap. The angel showed up again with bread and water and instructed Elijah to get up and eat. The story goes on to say that Elijah was strengthened and traveled for forty days and nights; he finished his assignment (1 Kings 19:5-8). All he needed was rest and nourishment.

Sometimes the best ways to restore balance are the simplest: pray and rest, then get up and eat.

If you are feeling like Elijah, God wants you to know He loves you, He will not leave you, and He will give you strength.

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